Looking Backward Out of a Van on US 31

The dashing white lines of the highway disappear
As they coast over the horizon, while yellow ones
Confine the voyaging vessels.

The other side of the road is a glimpse back in time—
Darting red lights moving in a direction that leads
To where we’re coming from, while we are traveling
South, going where we’ve been before.

Headlights burn behind us like moving lanterns that hover
Above the asphalt. Scenery speeds by—

Trees of all sizes, pines and otherwise separate the highway
From the rest of the world as a jaundiced moon fights
Through a treeline darkening with the receding
Evening sunlight to follow us home.

by Ryan Wilcox